Samsung ST700 vs Sigma SD10: An Expert Comparison Decade Apart

Choosing a camera today involves weighing an array of nuanced factors that affect your shooting experience and output quality. This head-to-head comparison between the Samsung ST700, a 2011 ultracompact point-and-shoot, and the Sigma SD10, a 2004 APS-C DSLR with a unique sensor, might seem like an apples-to-oranges match at first glance. But by peeling back layers - sensor technology, ergonomics, autofocus, handling, and genre-specific suitability - we arrive at practical insights beyond specs alone.

I've tested both cameras extensively over the years and explored how they perform in real-world, varied shooting conditions. Both have their respective charm and drawbacks, shaped by their era and target user. Let’s look beyond the numbers to see which fits your style, needs, and budget.

Holding Them In Hand: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

First impressions often start with feel and usability. The Samsung ST700 is pocket-sized - a sleek ultracompact designed for grab-and-go casual shooters. Its physical dimensions are a mere 99×55×20 mm. On the other side, the Sigma SD10 is a true DSLR body, 152×120×79 mm and weighing a reassuring 950 grams.

The ST700’s slim form factor makes it a non-intrusive companion on the street or travel, fitting comfortably in coat or pants pockets. However, small size comes with compromises: limited grip, minimal physical controls, and no dedicated manual dials. It’s a simple interface aimed at automatic shooting.

Conversely, the SD10’s heft and mid-size SLR design provide greater stability and tactile control. The body sports robust manual focus rings on lenses, multiple exposure modes, and a classic optical pentaprism viewfinder. The thick grip and substantial handhold accommodate longer shoots comfortably but may feel bulky for casual outings.

If you prize compactness and discretion: ST700 wins. If you prefer ergonomic control and a DSLR feel: SD10 is more satisfying.

Controls and Interface: Finding Your Workflow Groove

Navigating camera menus and controls impacts how quickly and easily you can adjust settings in the field. The ST700 features a 3-inch fixed touchscreen, a rarity back then, but still basic with low 230k-dot resolution. Touchscreens in cameras don’t always please traditionalists, and this one offers limited interaction without much tactile feedback.

Sigma SD10’s 1.8-inch LCD screen trades screen size for a robust interface controlled via physical buttons and dials. The absence of live view (common in that era) places focus and composition reliance exclusively on the optical viewfinder.

The lack of a touchscreen and a smaller screen might seem like downsides, but serious photographers often prefer physical controls - quicker and more precise without hunting menus or smearing fingerprints. The lack of live-view AF is a limitation but understandable given the 2004 timeframe.

Touchscreen lovers who value intuitive navigation may lean towards the ST700, though advanced users craving manual control and feedback will appreciate the SD10's traditional SLR setup.

The Heart of the Camera: Sensor Size, Technology, and Image Quality

Here’s the real battle ground: image quality. The ST700 relies on a small 1/2.3” CCD sensor with a 16MP count. This sensor measures roughly 6.16x4.62 mm, with an overall area of 28.46 mm². In contrast, the SD10 features a much larger APS-C sized sensor (20.7x13.8 mm, 285.66 mm²), but notably it uses Sigma’s Foveon X3 CMOS sensor. This technology stacks three layers of photodiodes at each pixel site capturing RGB color separately, unlike traditional Bayer sensors.

At first glance, the megapixel count is heavily skewed - 16MP vs 3MP native resolution. Yet, the Foveon sensor packs color data differently. It produces images with impressive color fidelity, exceptional detail, and a 3D-like depth often praised by enthusiasts. The pixel count doesn’t tell the whole story. However, the SD10’s max ISO is a modest 800 native (boostable to 1600), far shy of modern CMOS sensors’ high ISO performance.

The ST700’s tiny sensor means images are more prone to noise and less dynamic range, especially in low light. Sharpness and detail levels are respectable for casual use, but images fall short under challenging conditions.

If ultimate image quality, color accuracy, and large print potential matter, the Sigma SD10 clearly leads despite its age and lower pixel count. Casual photographers focused on shareable JPEGs and internet posting might prefer the ST700’s higher resolution and simpler workflow.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness: Catching the Moment

Autofocus technology drastically impacts a camera’s practical usefulness, especially for fast-moving subjects.

The Samsung ST700 lacks any advanced autofocus system - no face detection, no continuous AF, just a basic fixed lens and contrast-detection AF presumably, as it doesn’t specify AF modes. It’s a typical point-and-shoot autofocus system geared toward static scenes and snapshots.

Sigma SD10 uses manual focus exclusively; it has no autofocus motor or detection. This is a dealbreaker for many but also favored by purists who want ultimate control.

Neither camera offers contemporary AF performance - no tracking, eye detection, or phase detection. For wildlife or sports, both are at a disadvantage, arguably pushing users toward modern cameras with advanced AF systems.

Performance in Different Photography Genres

Let’s break down how each camera stacks up when put to the test in various photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography: Rendering Skin and Bokeh

• Samsung ST700: The small sensor and fixed lens limit background separation and shallow depth of field effects. Skin tones can appear flat or slightly noisy in less-than-ideal light, and there’s zero eye detection AF to lock focus precisely on faces.

• Sigma SD10: The APS-C Foveon sensor renders skin tones beautifully with subtle gradations and natural color. Using quality Sigma SA lenses, you can achieve pleasing bokeh and selective focus, but manual focusing requires patience.

Winner: SD10 for nuanced, artistic portraits if you’re comfortable with manual focus.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

• ST700 sensors often struggle with dynamic range resulting in clipped highlights and crushed shadows, common with small sensors. Resolution helps capture detail, but image softness and noise limit large prints.

• SD10 delivers exceptional color fidelity and detail, suitable for landscapes. Despite ‘only’ 3MP raw output, prints up to 13x19 inches come out impressively sharp. Lack of weather sealing means take care in harsh environments.

Winner: SD10 for serious landscapers due to superior sensor quality.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus and Telephoto Reach

• ST700’s zoom lens isn’t telephoto enough to reach distant wildlife effectively; slow AF and minimal burst means you’ll miss quick action.

• SD10 requires manual focus, which is impractical in fast wildlife situations; lens choice (Sigma’s 76 lenses) includes telephotos, but responsiveness is slow.

Neither suitable; modern mirrorless or DSLRs dominate here.

Sports Photography: Tracking and Burst Speed

Both cameras fall short of fast sports shooting needs:

• ST700 lacks continuous AF or fast burst capabilities.

• SD10’s manual focus and slow shutter mechanics hinder fast action capture.

Street Photography: Portability and Discreetness

• The ST700 excels here. It’s pocketable, quiet, and quick to pull out for candid shots.

• The SD10 is big and conspicuous, less suitable for unobtrusive shooting.

Macro Photography: Close Focus and Stabilization

Neither camera shines in macro:

• ST700 lacks image stabilization and has “n/a” macro focus range details.

• SD10 supports manual focus lens options, but no stabilization.

If macro is your focus, look elsewhere.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

• ST700’s small sensor and no mention of high ISO performance limit night shooting.

• SD10 caps at ISO 800 (boost to 1600), but Foveon sensor’s noise handling is decent; manual exposure controls help in astrophotography.

• Neither has built-in intervalometers or timelapse recording.

Video Capabilities

• ST700 supports 720p video, basic footage with no external mic, limited controls.

• SD10 has no video recording.

Travel Photography: Size, Versatility, and Battery Life

ST700’s compactness, touchscreen, and ready-to-shoot nature make it a practical travel companion for casual shooting.

SD10 offers more creative control but weighs heavily and demands carrying lenses and batteries. Battery life is unknown for both; expect modest endurance given camera age and technology.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized. Both demand care in challenging environments.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The ST700 features a fixed lens - no options for upgrades, so you’re limited to the built-in zoom.

The SD10 uses the Sigma SA mount with 76 lenses available, including primes and zooms optimized for the Foveon sensor. Sigma’s lens lineup offers creative flexibility unmatched by compact cameras.

Storage, Connectivity, and Power

• ST700 stores on one slot; storage type unspecified, likely standard SD or MMC cards.

• SD10 uses CompactFlash (Type I/II) cards - standard for DSLRs of its time.

Connectivity is basic on both - no WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, or HDMI ports. USB 1.0 on SD10 limits transfer speeds.

Pricing and Value Proposition

The Samsung ST700 priced around $280 with ultra-portability and 16MP shooter simplicity is reasonable for casual users buying new back in 2011.

The Sigma SD10, costing $198 (used now, given age), offers an entry point into Foveon APS-C cameras with manual photography discipline. It’s a niche product valuable for enthusiasts interested in color fidelity and manual control at a low price.

Summary: Who Should Buy Which?

Samsung ST700 front Samsung ST700 screen back Sigma SD10 screen back

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

While these cameras couldn’t be more different in size, sensor design, and function, each has an audience. The Samsung ST700 is a snapshot machine built for simplicity - no fuss, no muss. It suits beginners or travelers who want a lightweight point-and-shoot with decent image quality and HD video.

The Sigma SD10 is an artifact of early 2000s DSLR innovation and appeals to photographers with patience for manual operation craving superb color and image depth. Its Foveon sensor remains a unique selling point for fine art photography, but it demands a learning curve and physical effort.

If you prioritize speed, autofocus sophistication, or high ISO performance, both models fall behind modern standards and you’ll want to consider recent mirrorless or DSLR options. But if you appreciate camera character, hands-on control, and budget-conscious gear collecting, these cameras tell interesting stories.

Dear DSLR manufacturers, please consider reintroducing the tactile joys of manual focus coupled with modern tech - Foveon’s rich color still impresses today!

In closing, use this guide as a compass. Consider how these cameras’ strengths and limitations align with your photographic ambitions. Photography is as much about the journey as the gear, and using a camera that feels good in your hands is the first step to creating compelling images.

Happy shooting!